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Samsung Galaxy Note II

Overview

Overall the Galaxy Note II matches the score of the iPhone 5 in the DxO Mark Mobile test. In the individual tests, the Samsung produces a respectably consistent set of results with few disappointments, especially in the scores for still images. Its performance in low light is similar to its competitors, except for the rendering of detail that gets lost through excessive noise reduction. The scores for Note II are similar to the Samsung Galaxy SIII, which it just beats in the photo score. In the details some features being better on the Note II and some on the SIII. The video scores are not quite as glowing with stabilization scoring below 50 even in good lighting. However, where the Galaxy Note II copes pretty well with low light for stills, in video the quality fall off is significant and both noise and loss of texture through noise reduction are unimpressive.

Coming in at second place in the standings for DxOMark Mobile photo and video performance behind the Nokia 808 Pureview, the Samsung Galaxy Notes II holds a slight lead over the Galaxy SIII for still photos. The clear standout in video performance, the Galaxy Notes II has been named the best mobile photo camera tested by DxOMark in that category.

Photo

DxOMark Mobile Photo

73

Exposure and contrast

81

Color

77

Autofocus

74

Texture

64

Noise

69

Artifacts

78

Flash

70

Pros

Good, consistent and smooth autofocus

Bright and pleasant color

Accurate auto-exposure

Cons

Poor retention of detail in low light due to excessive noise reduction.

Failure to resolve detail in the highlights in high contrast outdoor conditions.

Flash is a bit dark.

Video

DxOMark Mobile Video

71

Exposure and contrast

87

Color

83

Autofocus

58

Texture

66

Noise

61

Artifacts

90

Stabilization

45

Pros

Accurate Exposure

Good Colors

Cons

Poor rendering of texture in low light

Excessive noise in low light

Poor image stabilization

Further readings for the Samsung Galaxy Note II

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Although this model adopts the same PureView technology as the vaunted 41Mpix Nokia 808, and the more recent Nokia Lumia 1020, this slim-line model has a camera with a much more modest 8.7-Mpix CMOS sensor, yet retains the classy Carl Zeiss lens. Read on to see how well it fares against its siblings and rival offerings.